Routine data collection

Reviewing the routine data you already collect is a good place to start, as you can then use monitoring forms and surveys to plug any gaps in your evidence.

By routine data collection we mean information you request from people because it’s relevant to delivering your project. Typically you’ll ask for this data when individuals apply to take part in your project’s activities or services. For example, in order to decide whether an activity is suitable for someone you may need to ask their age.

The advantage of using routine data collection is that you’re already doing it so you don’t need to set up any new systems. The downside is you probably won’t have data for all our equality categories

Also, because the data is linked to an individual it becomes personal data and subject to the requirements of the Data Protection Act. So if you don’t already do so, you’ll need to let your project users know that you plan to use this information for monitoring purposes.